Flooring comparison
Hardwood vs Laminate Flooring: Cost Comparison
Hardwood and laminate look similar but differ a lot in cost and value. Hardwood is a premium, long-term material; laminate is an affordable look-alike. Here is the 2026 comparison.
Hardwood
$8 to $22 per sq ft installed
Laminate
$3 to $8 per sq ft installed
| Feature | Hardwood | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Installed cost per sq ft | $8 to $22 | $3 to $8 |
| Typical 500 sq ft room | $4,000 to $11,000 | $1,500 to $4,000 |
| Lifespan | 50+ years | 15 to 25 years |
| Refinishable | Yes, many times | No |
| Water resistance | Low | Low to moderate |
| Resale value | High | Modest |
Hardwood
- Adds the most resale value
- Can be refinished many times
- Lasts a lifetime
- Premium, timeless look
- High upfront cost
- Scratches and dents
- Sensitive to moisture
Laminate
- Low cost
- Scratch and wear resistant
- Easy DIY installation
- Many looks
- Cannot be refinished
- Shorter lifespan
- Adds less resale value
The verdict
Choose hardwood if you want maximum durability, the ability to refinish, and the best resale value, and you can pay more upfront. Choose laminate for a budget-friendly, durable, wood-look floor, especially in lower-stakes rooms or a shorter-term home.
Frequently asked questions
Is hardwood or laminate flooring cheaper?
Laminate is much cheaper, about $3 to $8 per square foot installed versus $8 to $22 for solid hardwood. Hardwood costs more but lasts far longer and can be refinished.
Does hardwood add more value than laminate?
Yes. Real hardwood is a sought-after feature that adds more resale value than laminate. Laminate looks similar but buyers and appraisers value it less because it cannot be refinished.